COMICBOOK — In the comics, the Asgardian warrior goddess Brunnhilde the Valkyrie is depicted with blonde hair and blue eyes, but Thor: Ragnorak director, Taika Waititi, wasn’t going to let those physical attributes limit which actresses could play the part. In the end, he believedCreed and Westworld star Tessa Thompson was the best choice to bring the longest-serving member of the Defenders to life on the big screen.

“Right from the start we wanted to diversify the cast, and it’s hard when you’re working with Vikings. [Laughs.] You want to be more inclusive and provide a broader representation,”Waititi told CBR. “And at that point, you have to look at the source material as a very looseinspiration. And then take it from there and go with your gut. Say, “You know what? None of that stuff matters. Just because the character was blonde and white in the comic book. That doesn’t matter. That’s not what [that character] is about.

“People forget that. Die-hard fans will say, ‘That’s not really authentic to the comics,’ but as soon as they watch the movie, and they’re involved in the story, and actually what’s happening, everybody forgets. The fact that we even have to keep having this conversation is ridiculous, because we keep forgetting. Unless it’s the topic of the film, it just shouldn’t even be — what do we even care?

“I think the story is king, and you want the best person for the job. And Tessa tested against — we cast a very broad net, and Tess was the best person.” […]